FALLS CHURCH, Va. – The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) announced today that the Attorney General has appointed a new Chairman of the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Effective March 26, 2012, David L. Neal, previously Vice Chairman of the BIA, will serve the agency as Chairman. Mr. Neal has been the Acting Chairman of the BIA since June 2009.

“David has served EOIR in varying capacities over the course of 14 years,” said Director Juan P. Osuna. “I am confident that he will continue to employ his strong integrity, formidable judgment, and thorough understanding of immigration law to benefit the BIA, EOIR, and the Nation.”

Mr. Neal received a bachelor of arts degree in 1981 from Wabash College, a master’s degree in 1984 from Harvard Divinity School, and a juris doctorate in 1989 from Columbia Law School. Before joining the BIA as Vice Chairman in 2009, Mr. Neal served as Chief Immigration Judge. From 2005 to 2006, Mr. Neal served as an Assistant Chief Immigration Judge. From 2004 to 2005, he served as an Immigration Judge at the Headquarters Immigration Court. He was also special counsel to the Director of EOIR and an attorney advisor at the BIA. From 2001 to 2003, he served
as chief counsel for the Senate Immigration Subcommittee. From 1993 to 1996, he practiced immigration law in Los Angeles. Previously, he was the director of policy analysis for the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Mr. Neal is a member of the District of Columbia and New York State Bars.

The BIA is responsible for hearing appeals of decisions rendered by immigration judges in removal cases brought by the Department of Homeland Security. It is the highest administrative body for interpreting and applying federal immigration laws.

- EOIR -

The Executive
Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) is an agency within the Department of
Justice. Under delegated authority from the Attorney General, immigration
judges and the Board of Immigration Appeals interpret and adjudicate
immigration cases according to United States immigration laws. EOIR’s
immigration judges conduct administrative court proceedings in immigration
courts located throughout the nation. They determine whether foreign-born
individuals—whom the Department of Homeland Security charges with
violating immigration law—should be ordered removed from the United States or
should be granted relief from removal and be permitted to remain in this
country. The Board of Immigration Appeals primarily reviews appeals of
decisions by immigration judges. EOIR’s Office of the Chief Administrative
Hearing Officer adjudicates immigration-related employment cases. EOIR is
committed to ensuring fairness in all of the cases it adjudicates.